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Stage 19 is a long, rolling stage covering 222.5kms from Embrun to Salon-de-Provence. This is the longest stage of the race, and break away specialists who have yet to win a stage will likely fight hard to be in the day’s break.

There are three categorized climbs on the stage:

Km 26.0- Col Lebraut (4.7kms; 6%) - category 3

Km 43.0- Côte de Bréziers (2.3kms; 5.8%) - category 3

Km 177.5- Col du Pointu (5.8 kms; 4.1%) - category 3

The intermediate sprint occurs late after several of these rollers at 136.5kms in Banon. While there is a chance for Matthews to go on the attack in green, there are several teams that have yet to get a result in the race and will thus be riding aggressively for the win as well. And, due to the proximity to the coast, this could also be a stage where winds are at play. So, the question becomes who will fight the hardest to get the stage?

The Tour stays in the Alps on Stage 18. Running 179.5kms from Briancon to Izoard, this is the last chance for climbers to have glory. Further, this is likely the last major chance for GC men to try to gain buffer time over rivals more skilled at time trialing.

The intermediate sprint occurs at 91.5kms in Les Thuiles. This late occurrence in the stage, however, will make it difficult for a sprinter to earn major points. There are also three categorized climbs:

Km 60.0- Côte des Demoiselles Coiffées (3.9kms; 5.2%) - category 3

Km 129.5- Col de Vars (9.3kms; 7.5%) )- category 1

Km 179.5- Col d'Izoard (14.1kms; 7.3%) - category H

This is another high day in the mountains, and some men will battle with the thin air. The first half of the stage shouldn’t be too difficult other than the exception of the fact that the peloton is tired after 3 long weeks of riding and a hard previous stage. When the riders approach the Col du Vars (last used in 2000), however, the uphill tilt of the remaining of the stage could prove to be a bit of a shake up. Then, the Izoard’s uphill finish may well be the last chance for major attacks.

The 16th stage of the 2017 Tour de France runs 165kms from Le Puy-en-Velay to Romans-sur-Isere. There are two categorized climbs prior to the intermediate sprint which occurs as 121.5kms in Chantermerle-Les-Bles.

The stats on the two climbs are:

Km 20.5- Côte de Boussoulet (4.5kms; 6.3%) - category 3

Km 65.0- Col du Rouvey (2.8kms; 5.6%) - category 4

This transition stage is another tricky stage to predict. For one, the day after the second rest day often results to how the riders spent the rest day. Additionally, breakaway riders could see this as a chance to yield a major result for themselves and their team, but most finishes in the Rhone Valley have historically ended in bunch sprints. And, as if that’s not enough, this region is also known for its winds!

Stage 17 of the 2017 Tour de France covers 183kms, traveling between La Mure to Serre-Chevalier, entering the Alps. While there is an intermediate sprint (at 47.5kms in Allemont), it will not be a group sprint. Anyone wanting to get points hoping to vie against Kittel for the overall must get into the early break and make it over the first climb in a strong position.

In terms of climbs, this would be a great day for anyone wanting to gain time on their position, particularly if they are good at descending where they might take some extra risks. There are 4 climbs en route today, including one of the Tour fans’ most-loved climbs, the Galibier! Since it’s been 6 years since the Galibier was last used, hopefully the GC men have done some reconnaissance!

Km 30.0- Col d'Ornon (5.1kms; 6.7%) - category 2

Km 78.5- Col de la Croix de Fer (24kms; 5.2%) - category H

Km 132.5- Col du Télégraphe (11.9kms; 7.1%) - category 1

Km 155.0- Col du Galibier (17.7kms; 6.9%) - category H

It’s also important to note that today is when the Tour reaches its highest point—on the Col du Galibier, the first rider to summit will win the Souvenir Henri Desgrange. But, there is a considerably descent after that climb which means that attacks will have to come early and often if they are going to be successful. There are only a few chances left if anyone wants to challenge Froome. And, most of his competitors will need a buffer going into the time trial. So, will today another day of attacks?

Stage 15 of the 2017 Tour de France will cover 189.5kms as it passes from Laissac-Sévérac l'Église to Le Puy-en-Velay. This lumpy stage will have many riders thankful for the rest day Monday.

The intermediate sprint occurs at 96kms in Saint-Alban-Sur-Limagnole. It is sandwiched by 4 climbs, including two touch cat-1’s:

Km 28.5- Montée de Naves d'Aubrac (8.9kms; 6.4%) - category 1

Km 43.5- Côte de Vieurals (3.3kms; 5.9%) - category 3

Km 158.0- Col de Peyra Taillade (8.3kms; 7.4%) - category 1

Km 176.5- Côte de Saint-Vidal (1.9kms; 6.8%) - category 4

This stage could be a day for the climbers. We have already seen the willingness to attack of the gc men. But, it could go to a puncheur as well—slip into the early break and use the lull in the middle of the profile to their advantage. With the new climb of the col de Peyra Taillade, it will be interesting to see who has done reconnaissance on this route and decided it’s the one they want.